Month: February 2014

Every now and then, I get the opportunity to do this whole “parenting thing” right. I usually find the moments come unexpectedly and often unrecognized until they have passed. Fortunately for my kids I don’t always mess it up. Sunday was one of those rare opportunities.

We were incredibly busy on Sunday – grandkids over for breakfast, Sunday school, and church then lunch and a movie. By the time the evening came around our house was upside down. Because she had Monday off for President’s Day, we had made arrangements for Kaylee to spend the night with her older brother, his wife, and their two children. As everyone was getting ready to leave, Beth decided that she wanted my attention. NOW! I quietly took her aside, and explained that I would be happy to give her my full attention as soon as everyone had left. “Okay!” she replied, and hurried away to “get ready.”

Once everyone was out the door, I turned my attention back to Beth. Walking into our living room was that moment – that one moment when things could have gone either way. I was confronted with several things at once. The table runner (and everything else) had been removed from our coffee table and the runner was now on one end of the couch – with a mountain of popcorn on top of it. The coffee table was shoved aside to a corner of the room. There was a massive trail of popcorn from the kitchen to the pile on the couch. And in the middle of it all was Beth. It all came down to that one moment and the choices I made right then.

Trying desperately to keep the frustration from my voice, I asked her, “So, Beth! What’s up here?” “Oh, mommy!!! I am so glad you are here. Look!!! I got a place ready for you.” She took my hand and led me to the couch. “See?!! I have a snack for you and your tea is on the table beside you. I have practiced my dance and I want to show you!”

Stop. Breathe. Listen. THINK!!! – Really? She went to all that work just for me?? How many trips across the room did it take for her to carry all that popcorn in her little hands just so I could have a snack while I enjoyed the show? With a smile on my face and delight in my heart, I gratefully sank onto the couch and relaxed with my iced tea and my popcorn. The dance recital was brilliant. Beth has had no dance training, so the entire thing came straight from her heart. And she has such a beautiful heart. I loved her spins, her floor routine, and her expressive hand movements. Most of all, however, I loved her generous heart. And I am so thankful that I took the moment to listen to her heart before I spoke out of frustration and crushed it.

After the dance, it was time for Beth to get ready for bed. I tucked her in, read her a story, and sat with her for a few minutes while she fell asleep. Then I quietly got up and returned to the living room to sweep up the remains of a beautiful celebration.

Our third-graders are occasionally rewarded for good behavior with extra recesses, treats and game time. The Magic 8 Ball was of particular interest for one boy recently.

Our third-graders are occasionally rewarded for good behavior with extra recesses, treats and game time. The Magic 8 Ball was of particular interest for one boy recently.Third-grade boy: “Uh Mrs. Kinney that Magic 8 Ball lied to me!”

Me: “Oh? How?”

Boy: “Well I asked it if I was awesome and it said ‘No’ so I know it lied cuz I AM awesome!”

A third-grade boy has a solution to help teacher Christy Kinney in quitting pop!

As educators we always promote good healthy choices, even when it comes to food choices. A third-grade boy and I were discussing my attempt at not drinking any more pop (as I open one at my desk). He has a solution to take the stress off of quitting pop!

Third-grade boy: “You see Mrs. Kinney. Pop is just so filled with goodness you just can’t stop. So just don’t stop and that’s one less thing to worry about and it’s out of your head!”Me: “Pure genius actually!”Boy: “Why thank you!”Follow @ChristyKinney13

Teachers are known to get a little stressed here and there. Being in a room full of 20-plus students, the noise, and factor in some possible stress that may be going on outside of school in our personal lives? One third-grade boy noticed I seemed tense and offered to help!

Teachers are known to get a little stressed here and there. Being in a room full of 20-plus students, the noise, and factor in some possible stress that may be going on outside of school in our personal lives? One third-grade boy noticed I seemed tense and offered to help!

Third-grade boy: “Mrs. Kinney? You kinda look stressed. Here. Do this.” Boy takes me to the hallway and proceeds to sit in yoga “Ohm” position. I sit and Ohm while he tells me to breathe.Boy: “See? It works right? Better?” Me: “Tons! Thanks Bud!”Follow @ChristyKinney13

Valentine’s Day is here. What’s that mean when you teach at the elementary level? Sugar, sugar and more sugar! The students are excited, tell jokes and share cards. One student had the best joke for me today.

Third-grade boy: “Hey Mrs. Kinney! What did the paper clip say to the magnet?” Me: “What?” Boy: “I find you very […]

Valentine’s Day is here. What’s that mean when you teach at the elementary level? Sugar, sugar and more sugar! The students are excited, tell jokes and share cards. One student had the best joke for me today.